Clariant Offers N₂O Removal Catalyst for Sustainable Production Process

TAGS:  Sustainability / Natural Solutions    

Clariant launches a major global campaign to reduce the climate change impact of nitrous oxide (N₂O). Drawing on decades of catalyst research expertise, the company has developed the EnviCat® N₂O-S catalyst, which is proven to remove up to 95 percent of N₂O generated as a by-product of nitric acid production.

Clariant is now offering a free fill of EnviCat® N₂O-S to 10 nitric acid producers who do not have N₂O off-gas treatment in place. Through the campaign, the company intends to help avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to several million tons of CO₂ every year.

Aiming Sustainable Production Processes

Of the approximately 500 nitric acid plants operating globally, more than half run without N₂O abatement, mostly in regions without applicable emission control regulations. Clariant now aims to tip the balance towards more sustainable production processes. The company is offering a free first fill of EnviCat® N₂O-S catalyst to up to 10 nitric acid producers who currently do not use an N₂O abatement catalyst.

Besides climate benefits, the catalyst can also slightly increase nitric acid yield by improving the efficiency of the ammonia oxidation process. Designed as a convenient “drop-in” solution, the catalyst is easy to install with almost no engineering modifications.

Hans Bohnen, chief operating officer at Clariant, commented, “Sustainability is no longer an afterthought of business; it is central to what we do and requires action now. That’s why we announced new ambitious science-based climate targets for Clariant."

"But as a specialty chemicals company we can do more: I am therefore particularly proud to announce that we have committed a substantial investment to help nitric acid producers worldwide virtually eliminate their N₂O off-gas emissions. This benefits the climate, while also helping the nitric acid manufacturers to minimize their carbon footprint and progress on their sustainability journey,” added Bohnen.

Stefan Heuser, senior vice president and general manager of Clariant catalysts, stated, “Our aim is to provide a considerable contribution to environmental protection. While N₂O is extremely harmful for the climate, it is easy to reduce with our catalysts. We believe that once those nitric acid producers experience the benefits – with a free-of-charge catalyst and without obligations – they will be ready to change.”

Clariant’s EnviCat^® N₂O emission control catalysts are already installed in more than 45 nitric acid production plants globally. Combined, they reduce annual N₂O emissions equivalent to more than 20 million metric tons of CO₂.

Source: Clariant